Chapter 20
The whole of Valoran has been alerted and awakened now. Under the order of the high Council of the League, each able city states have begun mobilizing all its forces and pouring each bits of effort into battle. The city states have driven themselves into an orderly frenzy, some civilians worried while others waited eagerly for action. Only a very few know what horror will soon be upon them
. Artrix had anticipated, awaited and feared as the hour drew closer and closer. He felt not a selfish fear but the fear of suddenly losing this new world he has just barely begun to understand; the world of mortals. Yet the days were deceivingly calm, the sun would set, the clouds would drift and the rain would fall just as it had any other day. While the city states prepared for war, many of the citizens had still clung onto the false cask of safety like the unwary birds of the fake summer skies. Soon, this mirage of peace will be shattered.
All of this raced through Artrix's mind as the morning sun slowly arose to breath upon Valoran a new day. He stepped restlessly despite a night's sleep out onto the balcony overlooking the vast lush blanket of greenery. The illuminating sun's light slowly chased out the few remaining shadows which crept in corners of the folding hills and mountains like an exterminator cleansing a house. Sounds of the morning routine rustled behind him within the dorm as Riven prepared for the new day. Artrix leaned onto the cold, steel railings and let out a faint sigh.
"Why are you worried?" Riven suddenly sounded behind him.
Artrix turned around and saw her, already fully dressed and brushed, walking out onto the balcony. She appeared ever so vigilant as not even night could deter the energized atmosphere she emanated.
"You know it is coming, and it will, does it matter if you worry or not?" Riven asked.
Artrix searched for words but only sighs returned. Then, he caught a glimpse of Riven and her beauty snatched his breathes away. Like the wild sceneries of utmost glory that Valoran wielded, Riven too was part of which he would die to protect. The fear that he would lose them lingered like a festering disease, tearing at him as time ticked by.
Without saying anything, he stepped towards her and joined their hands together. He held them up and stared painfully at her eyes which told nothing of fear but only steadfast sureness.
"I worry of failure. If we do not succeed in stopping my uncle, you do understand what grim horror he will bring unto this universe? Not a single day will mortals be free, not a single day will there ever be love again. You understand this do you?" Artrix said.
"And I ask again, why are you worried? Why worry for the inevitable, instead you could prepare for it. Despairing will only cause you to falter, not stronger. If you do worry, worry about how the defenses will be set," Riven responded.
Artrix inched closer towards Riven until their breaths almost intertwined, his fingers locking even tighter with her.
"It is not my death I worry, but you. Not only you, but this whole new world I've just arrived in. The pain of seeing, no, even thinking about losing you is far too great for me to bear. That is perhaps my worry, which is truly my pain."
"Artrix…"
"Riven, this world, and you is a miracle to me. I've been alive for even longer than this world, even when Runeterra was but a molten, lifeless form I have been. And for all this time, up until now, I've been an absolute fool, unable to change my views. It seemed impossible, even to me yet within just weeks, months, you have given me what a near eternity had not. That is what miracle I wish to save."
Artrix released Riven's soft yet calloused hands and turned back and caught one last glimpse of the scenery. An expression, mixed with agony and restlessness flushed his darkened face. The dim hope that once sparked in his eyes were now desperately struggling to relight its life.
Riven, sensing the dread boiling within him, took out her broken blade and she lightly tapped Artrix's shoulder.
"You see how this is broken? Every time I reforge it, it can only last so long. Normally, the League only bounds me to 15 seconds but I can hold it as long as I have the determination and the strength. No forge upon this world, not even the Piltoverans, can repair it yet I can," Riven said.
She then flung her blade over the shoulders and hung them on her back. As she did so, she placed her hands upon the scars of Artrix's famed, white armor and smoothly traced them with her fingers. The near perfect reflection of the plate was only to be marred by the slightest cracks and the reminder that it was once broken.
"You had the strength to do what no other could. I've seen it, walked this path with you and shared the pains and tears. You may think it is not much but to me, you've given not just me but many new hopes. Climbing out of what you were more than any challenge, even what we are about to face," Riven continued.
"Just like my blade, you've reforged what was broken, now only one final obstacle remains in your path."
Artrix's could feel his heart lifting, just as the fuel that allows his passion to burn slowly returned. The miracle of Riven, to him was the greatest gift he had ever received.
"Do you trust me Artrix? Will we walk this path together?" Riven softly asked.
"Till death, and beyond," Artrix replied without hesitation.
Now, to Artrix, the exact same landscape felt completely different, as though hopeful. The green of the forest would did not change one bit, to Artrix was filled with new life which the sun blessed unto. Yet despite what Riven had said, no matter how his heart belonged to her, the aching feeling and fear of failure would linger on.
The red haired assassin circled anxiously, something told her that it would be fine yet she had feared otherwise. Her deadly looks, complimented by the wicked scar that ran down painfully down her left eye and combined with her flourishing yet deceivingly dangerous beauty made any man weary of her. At any instant, at the mere blink of an eye, a person could find that their throat has already been slit by Katarina.
She was to relay a very important message to Artrix, a plan conceived by the cunning of Swain. She had felt uneasy, she knew something was up and she knew she was but a pawn but she had no choice. With Swain as the Grand General, and her father at his mercy, she could only obey. Aside from that she knew that Swain's eyes gazes upon on, near or far. Swain had asked to meet Artrix directly, and at first glance Katarina knew the plans he had. But she also wondered why Swain would want to meet him, aside from the war plans and this is what brought her here.
Artrix was not a hard man to track down; to Katarina any person is as good as a target. Finding him was easy, however her task was not to assassinate but mere to inform. Although any messenger could've done the job, she felt the need to meet the Prince of Heaven personally. Aside from her task, she felt the need to confront him and to clarify everything, to sate her naïve curiosity.
As she paced around the empty corridor, she heard the echoes of the tapping footsteps approach. Instincts from years as the greatest assassin of Noxus told her to reach for her blade but she then quickly reminded herself of the duty she upholds. She tightened up her leather jacket and approached slyly at Artrix. As he turned the corner, he was met with the sight of the strikingly beautiful assassin. Her inquisitive eyes quickly turned to threateningly and without a word she instantly slashed her wicked steel at his throat, stopping just an inch before it met flesh.
Artrix was not surprised one bit; he could detect no harm from her. "Your eyes do not tell the story of an assassin. What brings you to me, Sinister Blade?"
Katarina scoffed and withdrew her blade. "That is my League title, I'm simply Katarina Du Couteau."
"Then, Katarina, what brings you here?"
"Who are you?" Katarina bluntly asked.
Artrix was puzzled. "I believe someone of your status would be the first to know. I am Artrix, Exiled Prince of Heaven and the one who opposes a tyranny."
"A tyranny eh…" Katarina lightly sighed to herself, remembering what Noxus is now. She then snapped back to what her task is. "So you are some fancy prince out there? Then why did you lie."
Katarina's killer atmosphere sharpened and was directed at Artrix. Her eyes ready to unleash a flurry of swift blades.
"Lie about?"
"You are no Noxian, you are undeserving. You do not know our values yet you mock us, thinking that a Noxian is something of an excuse. Do you think that it is a light joke?" Katarina accused.
"It was only quick decision that I did not make, I had no control of it. If what I did had harmed you in any way, then I will do all I can to reprimand them."
Katarina was slightly surprised by this man's modesty. She had the image of a somewhat stoic, yet bold and arrogant man. The title Prince of Heaven had lingered some spoil senses to her, someone of such status should've been yet here she was met with a different man. This only served to further fuel her curiosity.
"No, I don't care what you want to do. I…" Katarina searched for words to complete her question yet she found none. Her instinctive drive to defend Noxus has always made her on the edge, ready to silently end any life that poses a threat to her home. And she had never hesitated to do so yet this peculiar man Artrix felt different. For the first time in her life, she did not know what to do with her target.
"Forget it, I don't care anymore. I've come to tell you that Swa- the Grand General wants to see you. Reasons I do not know. He will be waiting for you in the Noxian chambers," Katarina said.
"Thank you then," Artrix replied as he began to leave. However, Katarina halted him.
"One final word, if I find out that you have any intentions of bringing harm to Noxus, I will end you," Katarina threatened.
Artrix simply smiled. "I'm afraid I've brought harm not just to Noxus. You best prepare for what is to come, Miss Du Couteau."
Then, Katarina was left to ponder, and the lingering feel of strange emotions and curiosity that she had never experienced before. She wanted to treat Artrix as though he was a villain yet every inch of her screamed that he was what Valoran needed. Never had she once regretted, or even so much as hesitated before bringing her knife into her target's heart yet Artrix was able to do so.
She then shook her head, her red hair flowing in its direction, to clear her mind. Clearly she was thinking too much and perhaps required a quick rest.
Artrix wasted no time and headed for where he was to meet the leader of Noxus. He himself wondered the reasons but had decided that it was probably talks of the upcoming battle and preparations for it. He walked down the dark corridors, its atmosphere reminiscence of Noxus itself. The dim, flickering candles fixed onto the walls served as the only guide to these paths. As he drew closer to its heart, Artrix felt the tenseness of the place with armored guards hawking at each of his movements. They, who had sworn fealty to the Grand General, had been trained as deadly killers. Swain was a concealed man, no one but himself understood what he had and those who did, had often not survive to see a day's light. Knowledge, he said, was his greatest weapon.
Artrix arrived at the end of a grim hallway and was met with a pair of medium sized doors constructed with strict instructions that they were to be made of Noxian wood. Its intricate designs and patterns had reflected Noxian ideals and prowess. Even the walls and their granite carvings spoke of the city's grandeur state and imagery. Absolutely fitting for the ruler of Noxus, Artrix thought.
The two guards who were stationed at the doors silently motioned him in as though they were expecting him. They checked to make sure he wasn't followed and that there would be no threat to the Grand General before allowing him to proceed. Once inside, he entered a tight, sizable chamber telling the story of man who had plans. Scattered maps, books, blueprints littered the deceiving yet cozy chamber. Piles upon piles of papers and whatnot had effectively transformed the area into a mountainous range of knowledge and information. Rows upon rows of overstuffed bookshelves decorated the decrepit walls.
Artrix carefully treaded through the stacks of paper and after turning a few corners of the hills of the books and he found Swain hunched over a massive granite table tightly packed into the room. Upon it were several knives pinning down maps and was dimly lit by a few candles. The molten wax on the candleholders had dripped down, burning a hole in several maps but none of them were as grand as the one Swain was studying. It covered up much of the surface and had finely printed and intricate designs in pure black ink. Out of the corner of his eyes, Artrix caught a slight glimpse of the edge of the map which read: City State of Demacia.
When Swain took note of Artrix, he quickly scrolled up the map in a fluent manner and casted it aside. Swain then straightened himself and lightly tapped his cane which was then accompanied by the sounds of two doors closing behind them. Artrix had expected as much, the eerie emotionless mask that had given some fame, or rather infamy to the Grand General. No one dared cross him for they may just find themselves ending up as another of his pawns.
Swain cleared his throat with a raspy cough; "It is my pleasure to meet the Prince of Heaven. As you already know, I am Jericho Swain of Noxus."
Artrix nodded in return. "It is also a pleasure to meet the ruler of such city."
Artrix knew of Swain from stories he had heard from Riven. A tyrant, many had called him yet effective. Riven told of how he would do anything for the advancement of Noxus, even if it meant sacrificing civilians as cannon fodder. Yet he was an effective leader, one that Noxus had not yet seen in many generations. Swain lay in the gray area of Artrix's morality code, effectiveness or malevolence he wondered. However, he knew this was not the time for such doubts for if his uncle was ever to succeed, there wouldn't even be a Noxus anymore.
"Please, I truly despise the title "ruler", I don't rule I lead. That is what makes me so effective if you had wondered. Past failures not only ruled but they ruled with stupidity, and brute force I on the other hand, lead with knowledge and wisdom. But, enough of such pleasant talks I am a man who likes to keep things fast and timely and as such to the point."
Swain then gestured Artrix to a sturdy looking chair across from himself. They were now separated by the table and a few heaps of messy paper stacks which Swain promptly brushed aside. When he was settled, they were face to face yet Artrix was unable to read a single motion from him. His almost faux eyes revealed absolutely nothing and he knew Swain was already reading him the moment he had entered. Artrix could not predict what this man would do.
In the silence, Swain raised his hand and snapped his fingers. The sound signalled a servant to enter and lay down two glasses of dark yellow liquid chilled by a specifically three blocks of ice. The servant then quickly exited the room without so much as making a noise.
"A drink would surely solve your current thirst," Swain said, almost in a commanding tone.
Artrix had not even realized it but he now felt the dryness in his throat. Swain did live up to his reputation, Artrix thought, able to tell how a man felt by mere glances.
"Thank you," Artrix replied as he sipped some of the refreshing cold liquid.
"Now, I have called upon you to discuss certain… matters with you. I understand that what we are about to face will be quite dire no?"
Artrix nodded in response.
"And I also understand that you have the necessary knowledge, and power to defeat our adversary is that correct?"
"It is not certain, I cannot guarantee it."
"But it is still a chance, however slight," Swain then elegantly lifted his glass and swirled it around with the ice cubes clinking loudly. He then squint his eye before suspiciously glancing behind Artrix. Instinctively he himself turned around for a brief moment but noticed nothing out of the ordinary. When he turned back he saw that Swain had already mysteriously emptied his glass and his cloth mask not even disturbed at all.
"I do require the aid of your city, and not only that but all of Valoran to fight against this. He is truly powerful and I alone will not be near enough to oppose him," Artrix said.
"A noble proposition, but how realisitic?" Swain paused and let that question sink into Artrix.
"You see, us "mortals" if you will, are dark creatures. We wait for every possible opportunity to strike at each other's throats, even in the face of danger. We will not hesitate when we do so. I speak of a point of view that had witnessed this for ages and I can tell you that your mission to unite us together is teetering on the impossible," Swain said.
"Not all mortals are alike, I believe that there is good in all of us, in you."
Swain chuckled mockingly. "A naïve view, and I here thought that a god, or whatever you may be, would possess more wisdom than such."
"I do not see a better path."
"And that is why I have called you here. People may not listen to your words but I can tell you that some are furiously loyal to others, such as my city state is to me. I offer to you my aid, to help you bound us in these of great need and with that the complete devotion of military strength of Noxus and all its allies. Hmm? What say you?"
Artrix pondered quickly at the offer. While he had originally intended to have done this himself, he knew that he could not turn down any offer to aid. He needed all he could get and he knew that Swain's powers was not ever to be estimated.
"What can you do for me?" Artrix asked.
Swain leaned forward and his eyes gazed unblinkingly at Artrix's. "A chance, a chance and hope that your ploy will succeed. In return I ask of you to come to my call when the vote for a grand leader for this united army is come. That you will be at my side, and that is all."
"And why choose you over the Demacian generals?"
Swain threw himself back to his chair and laughed hysterically, temporary breaking his austere appearance before he apologized and returned to his normal state.
"Do you for one second think that those generals are any good? Even if they were, they would be nothing compared to my lead. You have heard of my titles, and accomplishments. There has never been one battle I was ever defeated in, and do you know why? It is because I think differently. All of those Demacians would think pride first and thrust their men into the frontlines in the name of glory. I care not for glory, only victory and I will do anything to achieve it."
Artrix could sense the truth from him. As much as he wanted to reject this offer, he had to not think on the emotionally level but for the good of all.
"If this is the best decision, then I will take it."
"Then do we have an agreement? Will I have your word and support when the time comes?"
Artrix reluctantly nodded. "Yes."
Swain then relaxed and helped himself up to the ground with his cane. "Excellent, I am glad we could come to an accord. I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield. And good luck."
Swain then snapped his finger again and the same servant came in and took the empty glasses, as well as leading Artrix out of the room. When Swain became alone, he returned to his seat and smiled devilishly underneath the concealment of his mask.
A soft, female voice suddenly sounded behind him as though it appeared out of thin air.
"Ah, LeBlanc, it is quite rude to spy on others no?"
The deceiver slyly slithered to Swain and placed both of her gloved hands upon his tense shoulders and began messaging them. She then leaned over and breathed into his ears.
"I am sure you think otherwise, your plans are going fantastically well. Do you intend to use him as a pawn?" Leblanc asked softly.
"Everything is a pawn, even I. It's just some have more control over others. He is essential, but simple. Nothing cannot be decoded from him and sometimes simplicity is what you need," Swain replied.
"Then Noxus must be so fortunate to have you as its Grand General."
Swain's eyes casted lifelessly into the distant, his mind had never for one bit dulled.
"Of course."